Heir Without Honor [MischievousFoxx - confidant_v] (Private)

[MischievousFoxx]

Name: Alister Conall

 

Age: 21

Ship Rank: Captain

Likes: Adventure and unique treasures

Dislikes: People who betray his trust

Personality: Outgoing, strong willed, has a tendency to be sarcastic, free spirited, protective of people he cares for, but untrusting of most except the two that sailed with his father.

Background: Growing up, he had always looked up to his father. His father was a pirate, and grew in power enough to gain his own fleet that ravaged and pillaged the seven seas. He himself had lived a comfortable life with his mother. His father had taken over an island and inhabited as a pirate's cove. In all the years, this was the only life he had known. When he was about sixteen, he got word of his father's death from a few surviving crew members who had returned after attempting to raid a Spanish brigade, but were severely outnumbered due to misinformation. The young man always thought his father was set up. Although he had inherited his father's ship, the crew and many of the pirates disbanded, but a few loyal members remained. They became his Quatermaster and his First Mate. It would take him another three years before he came across a hidden area in his father's study. Research of a rare treasure. A legend that his father was chasing... one that gave him the inspiration to follow in his father's footsteps and continue his legacy. At the age of nineteen, he became one of the youngest pirate captains and one that should not be underestimated.

Appearance:

 

 

(These two are just to add to the story so they'll be in and out and have simpilar sheets. Also on a side note, random crew members are expendable so don't worry about just killing them off)

Name: Luca Nye

 

Age: 37

Ship Rank: Quartermaster

Personality: Easy going, observant, prankster

Appearance:

 

 

Name: Jessamine "Jess" Rhonwen

 

Age: 32

Ship Rank: First Mate

Personality: Hard headed, strict, motherly

Appearance:

 

 

The night was quiet and peaceful. The waters were as calm as a sleeping child in their mother's arms. The sky was clear and a sea of stars on the moonless night went on forever. Alister lay on the deck, lost in thought as he stared up at the black sea above his vessel. For two long years, he had been searching for his father's mysterious island. The very same that held a legend. His hand lay on his chest and under it, his father's journal. He wondered if this was a fools dream. It was unknown what kind of treasure lay in the reef or even if it truly existed. The rumors were anything from a massive treasure of untold riches to being able to gain any wish your heart desired. It all seemed like something out of a children's book. But the journal was the reason he decided to chase this dream. No matter what was on this uncharted land, his father had believed in it. Even if nothing was there, he would be satisfied with the adventure that this had brought him over the years and he wanted to believe that something was there that no one else had.

 

"Oi, Cap'n!" Turning his head, Alister saw the familiar face of his quartermaster. The black haired man was walking up the steps from under the ship and was the one in charge when the captain or the first mate weren't on the ship. A third in command if you will that kept the crew in line. Unlike the first mate, Luca was only in charge when the other two were preoccupied and would typically bark out orders to keep the crew in line otherwise. The first mate however was only in charge if the captain could no longer preform his duties, but that didn't stop her from barking out orders just as often. It was considered bad luck to have a woman aboard a ship, but he didn't care, just as his father hadn't. Alister more brought her on to take care of her, knowing very well that his father and the woman had a bit of a fling during his travels. The older gentleman leaned back against the edge of the ship, resting his arms along the railing. "Does this daft adventure of yours have an end anytime soon? Been a while since we've gone to port. The crew is beginning to grow restless for drinks and women," Luca stated as he smiled down at the young blonde. Alister closed his eyes as a smirk crossed his lips. "If the legend is true, the island will appear upon sunrise. Jess has offered to man the ship while we check it out," Alister said, then sat up and rubbed the back of his stiff neck. "Aye. Some mysterious island only seen when the stars align at the moment of sunrise. Can't wait to see this great legend," Luca said and chuckled, poking fun at his captain's adventure. "It looks like we're about to find out if the legends are true." Alister stood up and looked at the horizon, seeing the orange glow in the distance of the sun about to rise.

 

Amazingly, as the sun rose, it seemed like something appeared in the distance. It was like a mirage. Alister grinned and pulled out a spyglass, wanting to take a closer look. "Seems my father wasn't as daft as you all believed." He lowered the spyglass and shoved it against Luca's chest. "Let's move." With that, Alister went up the steps, taking the wheel of the ship. "Well I'll be damned...," Luca whispered under his breath before letting out a sigh. "All hands on deck! Man the sails and prepare to move! We're changing course you lazy bums!" Luca called out as he went to join his position to the right next to his captain. "You heard the man! Get to your posts!" A female voice called out as she came from below deck whilst hearing several 'yes ma'am's from the other crew members, making her way up to the left side of her captain.

 

Only a few could fit in the small boat as it came to shore, so Alister had only brought Luca and another crew member with him. The island was supposedly uninhabited, although the blonde could see that there was wild life living here. First impressions though, it didn't seem as if any man had ever set foot on this island. Alister's eyes wandered about the surroundings and something near the shore caught his attention as the crew member tied the boat off. It almost looked like an entrance although it was small to some sort of cavern. "Come on you two," he said as he approached the entrance. It looked as though they would have to go one at a time, but it was definitely leading somewhere. Without hesitation, Alister went straight in. "Oh great. Just go right on into the creepy dark cavern that might lead to death and despair. That's a smart idea cap'n. If ya fall into a pit of death or get stuck somewhere I'm not saving your arse," Luca said sarcastically before letting out a heavy sigh and motioned for the crew member to light a torch before both followed close behind.

 

As the three of them came out the other side, the only light source was from the torch. It was a fairly large cavern and at the bare minimum seemed like a great hiding place for something promising, if not gave him ideas on where to hide his own treasures. "Seems safe enough," Alister commented with a smirk as he moved further into the cavern, but his smirk soon faded as he stopped and glanced around. It was strange, but he felt like something... or someone was watching them. Not wanting to take any chances he pulled out his gun and cocked it, ready to fire just in case. "Something up?" Luca asked only to be hushed by the blonde, making his feel a bit on edge as he started to look around as well while the crew member stayed several steps back, trying to see through the darkness that the flaming light couldn't reach.

[confidant_v]

 

 

Name: Echo

Age: 1023

Likes: Eating, playing pranks, treasures, sweets

Dislikes: most humans but particularly stupid people and humans who harm animals, Water (Echo can't swim very well)

 

Personality: Echo comes off as aggressive, but that’s because he’s suffered so much due to the maliciousness of humans. No matter what, he won’t allow himself to trust a human; he’ll only be betrayed. However, if some lucky person manages to gain his friendship, they’ll find that Echo is understanding, thoughtful, and clever. He’s not the most talkative person, and often times he comes off as snarky, but he only acts that way towards people he likes. For as much as people have hurt him, he hates to see someone truly in trouble. He’s willing to help when he can, though he’s reasonable: he won’t put himself in danger for anyone. Humans live with a mentality of saving their own skin before someone’s else’s, so why shouldn’t Echo?

 

Background: Echo has been around for over one thousand years, and he expects to live for one thousand more. The problem is that humans have taken over and forced him into hiding. There was once a time when he was worshipped as a god. He did his best to help the poor humans with his fox magic, but over time that all changed. There was only one human in his life that he can honestly say he loved… it was the same one who stole his eye. He loved that man dearly and mourned his death for more years than a fox spirit should. He knows there’s no other man out there who could steal his heart like this man… No one.

 

Appearance: In his human form, Echo is all legs. His legs go on for miles, as does his long white hair. He tries to keep it looking nice, but sometimes it’s just too much for him to manage. His eyes are a piercing green—his eye rather. Someone, years ago, stole his eye so now he wears an eyepatch to cover the unsightly hole in his head.

 

As a fox, he’s quite large; nearly as tall as a full grown male. His nine tails are large, fluffy, and the tips are a soft blue. Upon first glance it looks like his tails form the image of a flower, but that’s just an optical illusion. In this form, he doesn’t wear an eyepatch. The scar where his eye should be is out for the world to see, but there’s little he can do about that.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today was the same as every other day. Peaceful. Dull. Uneventful. There wasn’t a single adventure to be had, and this was a problem. No one appreciated the beauty of solitude more than Echo, but lately he’d found the boredom overwhelming. He’d almost jumped in the ocean earlier just to keep himself entertained. Talking himself out of it was just as entertaining, but ultimately he was angry that nothing had been accomplished. Part of him accepted the fact that this was his life now. He had this whole beautiful island to himself. No humans. No companions. No friends. Nothing. Just him and the plants and the little animals who liked to flock around him.

 

Another part of him, however, wanted to fight against this life. He wasn’t someone who craved a blissful and carefree existence. He wanted fun. He wanted adventure. He wanted to seek treasure and fight gods and get kidnapped and live a life worth telling. If he continued on the way he was going, then he may as well throw himself in the water. He’d die for sure, but wasn’t rotting away alone on this island the same thing? Even now all he could do was roll around in the dark cavern he liked to frequent. The little animals didn’t ever follow him down here; perhaps they sensed he came down here when he wanted to contemplate the horrible direction his life took.

 

Living a life worth telling, he thought to himself. He would have spoken the words aloud had he been in his human form. Then again, he couldn’t remember the last time he’d been in that form.

 

Ah. Actually, he could. It was when he met that human. That dashing, adventurous, remarkable human who had shown him the utmost kindness and the harshest cruelty. That man had lived a life worth telling. A pirate who traveled all around the world going on random adventures, meeting the most exciting people, stealing the greatest treasures. He’d even managed to make off with the eye of a fox spirit. Not many people could do that and live to tell the tale. He’d also made off with his heart, but Echo wondered if the man even knew how deeply he’d fallen for him.

 

Oh well. It didn’t matter. That wonderful man was dead now. Echo never thought he’d mourn the death of a human, especially one who so selfishly cut out his eye, but he did. He mourned for days, weeks, months, years. The little animals on the island tried hard to comfort him. They attempted to bring him gifts, make him little crowns out of flowers, give him extravagant meals… Nothing worked. He was sad. He’d been sad since that day and though he managed to continue living, his existence was never the same. The fox was bored. He craved adventure. He craved the feeling of his heart swelling. He craved loving someone. He craved him.

 

Unfortunately, it was impossible to see that man ever again. Even so he could still smell him. He could practically taste the scent in the air. He smelled of salt water, sweat, damp earth. So natural… Echo sighed deeply as he relished in the scent, wishing he could once again find himself in that man’s arms. His scent was so strong. It surrounded him; it took over the entire cavern.

 

Echo jumped up. Was he here? It wasn’t possible. He was dead so how could his scent suddenly appear so fresh around him? Three people then walked into his field of vision, one bearing a resemblance to the man Echo loved so dearly. He knew right away they were kin, though he hadn't known his love had a son. Still, that didn’t mean this boy was even half the man his love was.

 

“I suggest you leave here,” he said, using his mind to communicate with the three strangers. He ran in front of them briefly before disappearing into the shadows. He wouldn’t allow them to get a full look at what they were dealing with. “The last travelers who came here were unfortunate enough to become my dinner. I’ll happily do the same for you.” To prove his point he ran behind the group and bit one of the men on his ankle, the one who wasn’t the son of his love. He bit him hard enough that he bled, but not hard enough that he couldn’t run away. Once back in the shadows, Echo regarded the other man, who also seemed to be the leader.

 

“Unless of course you’ve brought me a gift.” His eye would be nice, but he really just wanted to see how this young man would react to his situation. Was he as dashing and clever as his father? Or would he wind up in Echo’s stomach? It all depended on the young captain’s next actions.

[MischievousFoxx]

Luca's first reaction was to pull out his pistol the moment he heard the voice, quickly searching for the source and the crew member seemed to grow tense and nervous. Alister however remained calm, merely searching the room with his vision. "But we only just arrived. Is that any way to treat your guests?" His attention was drawn to the figure that appeared before them briefly before vanishing into the shadows again. All he could gather from it was what seemed to be white fur, that it was very large and that it had an animalistic nature. Was this supposed to be some sort of guardian of the island? The two men turned as they heard a cry of pain behind them, the crew member dropping his torch in a panic and fleeing. "Bloody coward," Alister commented under his breath. "Cap'n... maybe we should follow his example," Luca suggested but quickly dropped the subject when his captain glared at him.

 

Alister turned his attention to the darkness once again. He wasn't able to pinpoint where the source of the strange being. And yet, he uncocked his gun and put it away, not wanting to give it a reason to attack again. Interestingly enough, the young man also kept one eye covered by an eye patch and the one eye that could be seen was also green, which his father's eyes had been a bright blue. It was possible they were the same as his mother's, but it was a strange coicidence. At the mentioning of a gift, he recalled something from his past. Sitting down and crossing his legs, he rested his cheek on his hand with a smile. "Some treasures cannot be sold for value, but can be another's saving grace no matter the consequence." It was a phrase his father had spoken to him when he was still a child and he wondered if this strange being had heard it before. "This gift you seek is not a mere treasure, but something a bit more personal, isn't it?" After a moment, he reached back and pulled out a familiar journal, holding it up for Echo to see. "You don't always kill those who have been here nor chase them away. I spent two years decoding my father's notes to find this island. He had mentioned a treasure here, but it wasn't gold or silver like most would assume... but he did take something of value. What was it?" He asked, leaving his shipmate confused as he hadn't recalled ever sailing to this place before.

[confidant_v]

To sit down so casually in this dark, frightening cavern with a potential monster running around… This man was truly his father’s son. He was articulate and quick. It didn’t take him even a moment to connect the dots and realize that this monster was a fox who dealt with his father at one time. It was why he said those special words. Over and over again, the man Echo loved had said that strange line and Echo never understood it. Even now it baffled him, but no matter how many times he asked, the man never explained what he meant. Perhaps the answer lay before him. Perhaps lives would be spared tonight if Echo got what he sought after.

 

It was nice know that man’s son was no fool. He didn’t just offer up any random gift like most people would. Instead he held up a journal, a journal Echo knew too well, and it seemed this man was smart enough to decode the ramblings and secret messages inside of it. Impressive. This young man was just as clever as his father had been. Perhaps even more so. Out of respect for the man he once loved and the intelligent man before him, Echo stepped out from the shadows. His white fur caught the dim light of the torch, making him seem even more ethereal. He stood in front of the young man a moment before laying down on all fours as a way of saying he wouldn’t attack… Yet. If the man set down his gun, then Echo could put his weapon away as well. Too bad his weapon was himself. He was a large fox as it was, and though he doubted this man would be frightened of his size, he still thought it wiser to bring himself down some.

 

“I wasn’t as smart back then as I am now. I may not have killed everyone who crossed my path back then, but that isn’t the case today. You, though… You’re different.” He cocked his head to the side as he took in the man in front of him. The resemblance was uncanny. Echo imagined the man he loved looked just like this in his younger years. The only striking difference was that eyepatch. Surely whatever was under that eyepatch wasn’t….

 

“Don’t play dumb. You know what the treasure is, at least you should know if your father wrote about it in that book of his. He stole something precious from me and I want it back. He… He betrayed me. He stole what was mine and ran off, getting himself killed in the process.” That stupid man… That stupid, stupid man. If only he’d stayed on the island. If only he’d stayed with Echo. His one good eye glanced over at the journal. He was never allowed to see what was written in it, and his curiosity got the better of him. “He talked about me in that journal?” Echo looked back at the young man in front of him. “What did he say about me?” He’d like to believe that his love said Echo was the treasure hidden on this island, not just that his eyes were treasure. He’d liked to have believed the man said he loved him. That he was beautiful. That he wanted to remain with him forever. These were childish things to think, but Echo couldn’t stop them from entering his mind. “Tell me. What did he say about me?” he asked, with a bit too much longing in his voice.

[MischievousFoxx]

Luca had to take a step back in surprise, keeping his weapon drawn but more in a defensive manner rather than showing aggression. Alister however kept a very close eye on the being before him. This creature was truly beautiful and he could see why his father refered to the fox as a treasure like no other. As he locked eyes with the creature, there was a softness and almost an understanding in his expression. The young blonde could tell there was a pain that Echo was hiding from the moment he set his eyes upon the fox. "Am I? How so?" He asked, wondering why the fox thought that he was different from the others who had found this island.

 

A gentle smile came to his lips as he closed his eye for a moment. "It's been five years now...," he said, referring to when he had heard the news of his father's death. But hearing this fox, he was beginning to understand what his father had taken. "He didn't betray you without reason." His eye opened again and there was more of a sorrow in his eyes. He could hear the pain in the fox's voice as he asked Alister what was written in the notebook. "Luca, wait outside," Alister said and his quartermaster looked at him with surprise. "But..." The man looked at the fox cautiously, but soon nodded and lowered his gun. "Yes sir," Luca said and reluctantly made his way back to the exit.

 

Alister waited patiently for the man to leave before sitting up, opening the notebook and flipping through the pages before finally stopping on one. The date on the page was a day before his father had stolen the fox's eye. And... it seemed to be more of a letter than an entry as Alister placed it on the ground and slid it over to Echo.

 

'It's nearing sunrise. Only a few hours left. This wasn't an easy decision to make, but I hope that someday you'll understand. I will never be able to repay you for your kindness. It tears me up inside to know that I will not only be destroying the trust we have built together, but that I will also be breaking your heart. My son has fallen ill. The doctors tell me there is no hope. Out of all my research and all of our conversations over the years, I know that there is a way. I know that your immortality is the key to saving him. I am willing to risk your wrath and hatred as punishment and someday I hope that you will forgive me. You are the saving grace to my greatest treasure.

 

When my son is ready, I know that he will make a decision to return what I have stolen. You are what will save his life... and I leave his life in your hands.

 

I'm sorry.

Thomas'

 

Alister waited quietly while the fox read the letter. He knew that he didn't have to come here and he knew what the risks were if Echo decided to take back what was stolen. It was the piece of him that was keeping him alive. The immortality that this creature had is the only reason he was here right now. As the fox finished reading, he closed his eyes and removed his eye-patch before opening his eyes again. The colors were different shades, and there was a surgical scar over his eye, but there was no doubt that it was Echo's. Alister had always been the treasure his father referred to, valuing him more than anything in the world and now he had given the fox his son's fate. Even knowing that he could have stayed away and lived a long life, the young man came to honor his father's will. "The very least I could do was come and let you decide my fate. He would've wanted you to have that choice." And it was true. His father had trusted Echo more than anyone and this was his way of apologizing. By allowing the fox to take revenge if that is what he wished.

[confidant_v]

This was too much for Echo. All of a sudden out of nowhere, the ghost of his former love appears before him as a letter, a letter hand delivered by none other than that man’s son. Echo took his time reading every word; he could hear Thomas’s voice reading to him, speaking to him, explaining his horrendous actions from all those years ago. The man’s son was right. Thomas hadn’t betrayed him so callously. He had a reason, a damn good one too.

 

But knowing that didn’t help Echo any.

 

It didn’t ease the fox’s heart to know that he wasn’t Thomas’ greatest treasure. It didn’t help him overcome this sadness knowing that Thomas was regretful of his actions. It didn’t relieve his burdens knowing that he had a decision to make: kill the son of the only man he ever loved or free the son of the man who showed him the harshest betrayal.

 

“I think your father… Is the cruelest human I’ve ever met.” Echo said this as he stared into Alister’s eyes, or rather stared into his own eye. There it was, literally looking right at him. Seeing his eye being used by this human pushed him over the edge. The overwhelming emotions he experienced while reading the letter all came crashing down on him the moment Alister lifted his eyepatch. Anger, confusion, sadness, relief, love… So much love… He couldn’t bear the weight of it and he snapped. He growled and jumped on Alister, pinning him down by his shoulders. He bared his teeth, saliva dripping down his chin to fall on the young man’s cheeks. His paws pushed down hard, his claws digging into one shoulder if only to make himself feel somewhat better.

 

“Betrayal is still betrayal! It doesn’t matter the reason! Your disgusting father knew I trusted him! He knew he was the only human I ever let my guard down around and he used that to his advantage! He took advantage of my trust, my trust, to steal my eye. I used to fall asleep beside him. Do you even know what that level of trust feels like? To fall asleep next to someone, to leave yourself completely vulnerable beside another being? He woke me up from my sleep by grabbing my face; I was in my human form. He held me under my chin with one hand and I stared at him, wondering what he was doing. It never even occurred to my naive mind that he was about to betray me. He looked hard at me, squeezed my cheeks roughly, hurting me, and said he was sorry. Then he cut out my eye and all I did was scream. I couldn’t bring myself to chase after him when he ran. I just screamed.”

 

It was a memory Echo relived every single day. He always wondered if he did something to force Thomas to betray him. He wondered if Thomas was just a horrible pirate who did whatever he had to do in order to steal a treasure. He wondered if Thomas really had a good reason for stealing his eye, and now he knew that he did, but it didn’t help him. It didn’t bring him any closure.

 

Echo stepped off of Alister and laughed to himself. “You know, you being here and showing me this letter does nothing for me. You give your father too much credit, boy. He knew there was no risk involved in what he did. Why would he send you to me if he thought I would actually kill you, hmm? No, Thomas was cleverer than that. He is giving me the illusion of choice, but he knew better. He knew....” How could Echo possibly kill this young man after finally understanding. After all these years he finally knew what those damn words meant. "Some treasures cannot be sold for value, but can be another's saving grace no matter the consequence." Knowing that he was the saving grace to his former love’s greatest treasure… Of course he wouldn’t kill him. Thomas had to have known this. He knew Echo wouldn’t kill him. “He’s laughing at me from his grave.”

 

There was nothing left to do. Echo desperately wanted his eye back, but he knew he wouldn’t take it. This elaborate scheme of Thomas’ could finally come to a close. The boy would leaving thinking his father a hero who saved his life and Echo would be alone again, drowning in the memories of his lost love. He turned away from the young man, whispering a cold “I hate you both,” as he walked away. Though he did have one question for the man.

 

“What did your father name you?”

[MischievousFoxx]

Alister knew this couldn't have been easy for the creature. His father had a reputation for breaking hearts, despite his mother's naive denial of it. In a way, he knew exactly how the fox felt. His gaze lowered slightly as he recalled the last time he had seen the man.

'Father, can't I come with you this time? I'm feeling a lot better.'

'When your older lad...'

That memory haunted him in a way and at the same time, he was fond of it because he could remember that day as if it was yesterday. His father walking down the dock, reaching out for him... and watching him leave one last time on a voyage he would never return from.

 

The young blonde couldn't contain a small chuckle as he turned his attention back to the fox. "He had a tenancy to be cruel in more ways than one. Believe me when I say it wasn't just you." As much as he would like to say he had expected Echo to be angry, he was surprised by the sheer force the animal had, unable to move as he now found himself staring in the face of death. Alister cringed as he felt the sharp pain in his shoulder, but no amount of physical pain could prepare him for the fox's words as he explained what happened and how he felt. Alister's expression softened to one of sympathy. His father had done something so terrible with no explanation for years. Never once coming back to apologize or ask for forgiveness. Never giving Echo the chance to gain his revenge. Even knowing his father's intentions, the man had left Alister to finish what he had begun and given this creature a choice to make when it would never truly fill that rift that was created between them. He had tied them together, only to leave them both behind in the end.

 

Alister sat up as the fox stepped off of him. "I'm well aware that it does nothing. Because it isn't the same. I feel as though he had planned to come back however. I once asked if I could go with him... this last time he left home. He promised to bring me to his favorite place when I was old enough." He stood up, picking up the journal in the process and putting it away. "There may have been a time where he planned to bring me here. Possibly to seek forgiveness or allow you to act on your anger. Sadly neither of us will ever get the chance to tell him just how much we resent decisions he had made or knock some bloody sense into him." He laughed a little, resting a hand on his hip as he examined the fox's behavior for a moment.

 

"I can accept that you hate me." The blonde smiled as Echo began to walk back into the darkness. "Alister," he answered, then cocked his head to the side. "Judging by the fact that you're walking away, I see you have made your decision. But that isn't the only reason I'm here." He closed his eyes for a brief moment as he replaced the eye-patch over his eye. "I can't promise to be able to return here. My life is always full of danger and there is always a risk that I won't live to see another day. Nor do I have anyone I can trust to bring you back your eye in the event that were to happen." As he looked at Echo, he smiled. "But I can promise that someone would bring you back here. My days are numbered, like all who choose this life. In time you'll get your eye back... or at the very least should be allowed to choose whenever you wish to take it." He held out his hand and offered it to the fox. "Come with me. It's either that or I stay here and pester you until you grow tired of me."

[confidant_v]

Echo groaned in aggravation and dramatically fell over onto his side. As he lay on the ground, looking like a dead carcass, he thought about how annoying both Thomas and Alister were. Why did they both think they could walk into his home and force him to do whatever they wanted? Thomas had waltzed in here, set up camp, and begged Echo for his help. He managed to get Echo to show him the layout of the island, which foods were edible, which animals were dangerous… Yet, somehow Echo felt like he had no choice but to help this man. There were so little choices given to him when it came to Thomas. Sometimes he imagined that Thomas even forced him to fall in love with him.

 

And now here was that cruel man’s son, making demands of him just like his father had done. The apple never fell far from the tree.

 

“Why can’t your awful bloodline just let me die in peace? Besides why would you risk the lives of crew? I never said I wouldn’t eat them….” He mumbled, not caring if Alister heard him or not. Still, here was his chance. He’d only just been thinking about how bored this little island of his had become. Of course, this boredom was the fault of Thomas as well. Everything was the fault of Thomas. Echo hadn’t known adventure and thrillseeking and danger (outside of normal humans hunting him) until Thomas came along. Sure, he traveled, but not the same way Thomas did. He ruined Echo’s way of life. Forcing him to go back to his calm, peaceful existence was just another way Thomas hurt the fox.

 

“It seems I’m cursed to have my fate tied to that of your bloodline.” With that, Echo quickly got up and made his way to Alister. His decision was made, if it could even be called a decision. Eating Alister was always an option he supposed, but he also knew he wouldn’t do that… Yet. “If you plan to betray me, mini Thomas, then at least have the decency to kill me outright. That’s all I ask.” The arrangement was in place. Echo placed a paw on Alister’s outstretched hand, and in a matter of seconds it turned into a human hand. Where there was once a fox, now sat a naked man with long flowing silver hair, pale skin, and one green eye that was tired, worn out, yet curious. He stood, still holding onto Alister’s hand.

 

“Don’t worry. I have clothes. And possibly some items for you too. Follow me.”

 

Echo took Alister deeper into the cavern, navigating his way through small corridors and mini caves. “You know your father named me too. When he first arrived on this island he walked into this cavern and shouted ‘Hello? Hello? Anyone in here? Hello?’ over and over again, nonstop. I thought it was the stupidest thing so I just repeated everything he said back to him. When I finally showed myself to him he laughed. He didn’t expect his echo to be a fox spirit. When he asked me my name I told him I didn’t have one so he took it upon himself to name me. He called me Echo.”

 

It was a fond memory, one of many that made Echo’s heart swell with love. He hadn’t hated the name at all. He embraced it and loved that it was one thing his love had given him that couldn’t be taken away.

 

After a few more moments of walking, Echo brought Alister into a large clearing. There were several boxes scattered around, the wood of them rotted and cracking. Echo made his way to one and pulled out some clothes. They were dingier than he last remembered, though it had been years since he’d even seen them. “All of these boxes are filled with supplies that your father left behind. Most of it is probably useless now, but you’re free to look through them and take whatever you think you can use. There might be gold in some of them, or you might find something even more special and interesting than that. Who knows?”

[MischievousFoxx]

Alister watched as the fox flopped onto his side and smiled a little. He wasn't sure if Echo was only letting him go because of his father, but the blonde was stubborn and wasn't planning on leaving him behind to begin with. Hearing the creature's words he shrugged his shoulders. "Why would anyone want to die alone?" He asked, crossing his arms over his chest. "As far as my crew is concerned, I'm not saying I don't worry about their safety. They man my father's ship and throw their lives down to protect it. But somehow, I don't think you're the type to senselessly kill without reason." For something so majestic and beautiful, he didn't doubt that Echo could easily take out his crew if he wanted to. But there was a gentleness about him that he couldn't hide. If he had a cold enough heart to kill, he wouldn't have taken the time to speak with him to begin with.

 

The young man chuckled softly. "Ouch. Calling it a curse seems a bit harsh. I don't think I'm that bad to be around," he said as he watched Echo approach him. "I'd expect you tear out my throat long before the thought even crossed my mind." His smile soon faded as he watched as the creature before him changed from a fox into a human. It was something he hadn't expected. This man in front of him was full of mystery and surprises and it intrigued Alister greatly, wanting to learn more about Echo. Helping the man from the floor he smiled again. "That's a neat little trick. So Echo, tell me a bit about yourself. Have you always lived on this island?" He asked as he followed the man.

 

"My father was one to have a strange sense of humor, but I feel the name suits you well. Did he visit here often?" The young blonde had a feeling this was a bit of a sensitive subject for Echo, but he was genuinely curious about what his father had been up to during his adventures. The man would sometimes tell him stories, but he never seemed to stay long enough to really tell him many details. And he always seemed so busy. It was strange how much he wanted to be like his father growing up. Looking back now he wondered if it was just because he felt so alone and that if he could be like his father, then he could go with him. Something the man had always told him was that a captain had to be tough and not show any sign of weakness or let their emotions show in front of others. Alister never really realized that because of that he never grieved for his father... and it had turned into a slight resentment. "Do you hate him?" He asked, wondering just how the fox spirit really felt.

 

Alister glanced around the clearing, looking at each of the boxes that seemed to have been here for a long time. "Knowing him there is probably just random trinkets and the occasional memory hiding about," he said as he walked over to a couple of the boxes and opened one of them, kneeling down while he sifted through it. There didn't seem to be much of value. Some papers with information of trade routes, a few notes scattered about, others were just random supplies there weren't much use anymore. Something that did catch his interest was a chart. Alister sat down, leaning back against the rocks and he examined it. His father had charted several different maps with sunken treasure, most of them being marked as searched and a few others that he never had a chance to visit. Even some with just general coordinates. Other notes were markers on different islands for stealing goods, which routes to avoid enemy territories, and names of ships that important figures would be on. "My father sure had a knack for documenting everything." He glanced over at Echo and smiled as he put the papers away with the journal. "So, do you know anything about sailing?"

[confidant_v]

Echo felt bad in only indulging the lad with one story, the story about when he and Thomas first met. Still, it hard enough to relive that memory, let alone delve headfirst into everything the two had done together. He could tell from Alister asking if Thomas visited this place often that he probably didn’t know much of his father’s adventures. That was a shame. It seemed Thomas was somewhat neglectful of his son considering the extremes he went to in order to save his life. Instead of answering the question, Echo stayed silent and took his time putting on the dingy clothes from the box. He’d have to get new ones when they reached a port; hopefully Alister would be willing to give him some money. In his human form he only had one tail and thankfully Thomas had taken the time out to cut little holes in his pants to fit his tail through. He’d even been so kind to give him earrings for his fox ears, but the jewelry was surely buried at he bottom of one of these boxes. The last thing Echo put on was an eyepatch, covering the unsightly hole where an eye used to be… An eye that was now residing with Alister.

 

“Do you hate him?”

 

Echo tilted his head at the question the young man asked. Poor Alister. He had been so mature this entire time that Echo forgot he was mostly a child. He couldn’t have been any more than twenty or so years old. Twenty years… Just a blink in the eye of time for Echo. Twenty years was nothing to him, but for this man it was the true start of his life. Still, his question was an easy one to answer, not that he expected Alister to know the depths of his feelings for Thomas. After the captain finished sifting through the boxes and sat down, Echo sat crossed legged in front of him staring at him with his one good eye.

 

“I know you know the answer to that silly question. Of course I hate him, Alister. I hate him so much. I hate that he tricked me, I hate that he betrayed me, I hate that he found this island in the first place. If could take all of the hate I have for him and transfer it to you, Alister, you would be crushed from the sheer intensity of it. I’ve never hated anyone more in my entire life, and please remember that I’m over a thousand years old. It’s very impressive that he managed to make me hate him that much.” Echo spoke calmly, formulating each word so Alister wouldn’t miss even one. He didn’t sound angry nor emotional. He was matter-of-fact. He might as well have been talking about the weather. His eye, however, bore straight into Alister’s. All the knives and venom that should have been in his voice were buried within that one eye. The look alone could have killed a man, but as he took a pause in his words his eye changed. It softened, and he looked at Alister with an expression that only Thomas had seen. He smiled kindly, sadly, full of so much love it was practically seeping from him into the salty air.

 

“I’ve also never loved anyone more in my entire life either. Did he write about that in his little book? I refuse to believe Thomas didn’t know how much I loved him. I wanted him to stay on this island with me forever. I would have given him part of my immortality. My heart…” Echo took a moment to gather himself. Unlike when he talked about how much he hated Thomas, his voice was now overcome with emotion. He blinked a few tears from his eye; he hadn’t woken up this morning expecting to be forced to re-examine his love for Thomas. He took a deep shuddering breath, turning his face away from Alister. “My heart exploded every time I saw him. Every time he opened his mouth to say hello or tell me some fantastical story… my heart just swelled. I would have done anything for that man, Alister. It makes me wonder why… Why did he not just ask me if he could have my eye? I would have given it to him, no questions asked. I would have cut out my heart if he asked me to. Why did he turn his back on me instead of just asking for my help?” Echo stood, wiping his eye as he walked away from Alister. He couldn’t do this. He couldn’t handle thinking about that damned Thomas anymore. Unfortunately, his mouth was faster than his mind.

 

“You’re his son. Allow me to indulge myself by asking you the same naive question. I don’t think you hate your father but… well, how do you feel about him?”

 

Echo promised himself he’d tell Alister more stories of his father. Thomas and Echo had so much fun together, and considering how little time Alister spent with the man the least Echo could do was tell him what he was like. Perhaps every night once they boarded the ship, he’d give Alister a story.

 

In the meantime, there were other logistical things to take care of. Echo turned back to the man and raised an eyebrow at his question about sailing. A smirked crossed his features; maybe Alister would get a story now.

 

“I can’t remember how many times your father tried to teach me about his ship. All of the little contraptions were beyond me. It was all so confusing, and I think he was even angry that I couldn’t help him with the damn ship. Add on the fact that…” Echo paused, making his way over to Alister, getting so close to his face that they could feel each other’s breaths. It was important that Alister understand this next piece of information very, very well. “I can’t swim.” Echo grinned widely. “In my human form I can manage to at least keep my head above water. In my fox form, my tails get too heavy for me and I sink. Oh, your father found that out the hard way, so you’re lucky I’m telling you now. I promise I’ll be the biggest burden your ship has ever seen. Still want me aboard?”

[MischievousFoxx]

Alister continued rummaging through the boxes one by one. His father did like to keep everything even if it was useless so there was a lot of random junk hiding among them. The blonde man glanced over at the fox and watched as he got dressed while he waited for Echo to finish. "A thousand years... you can't tell me you've been alone all this time?" He asked curiously as he rested his chin on the back of his hand. It seemed a bit strange to him that this man might not have allowed anyone get close to him, or maybe it was that not many people found this place. Whatever the reason, it seemed like a pretty lonely life. He could feel the harsh stare from the man and it was a good thing looks couldn't kill. Although he was getting a feeling he might have to watch his back for a while. But as he thought that, Echo's expression changed. It surprised him to say the least.

 

As he listened to the man talk about his love for Thomas, he felt like his own heart would break. It was such a touching story and wave of emotions. "I know he had multiple journals, so there might be a lot more about you in one of them. He had a tendency to hide his personal things from everyone. I was lucky to find this one at all," he said, feeling a bit bad that he wasn't able to show Echo any of this, especially as he saw the tears start to well up in the man's eye. "... Is it possible that he did know? Maybe... he wasn't able to return your feelings. In his mind, he might've thought that making you hate him was better than trying to say goodbye." His gaze lowered to the floor with a small smile. "He did that a lot." He lifted his head and locked eyes with the man. "But there is always the possibility that there is more to the story than either of us will ever know."

 

Alister stood up as the man walked away from him and as the fox asked him how he felt about his father, there was a sadness that came to his eye. He leaned back against the wall of the cavern and crossed his arms. "I looked up to him. Wanted to be just like him in fact." His eye closed as he scoffed at the thought. "It wasn't like I had anyone else to look up to." The blonde smiled as he opened his eye, staring down at the ground. "He was always making promises to me. Ones he never kept. In fact, the last time he was home... he said that the next time he returned he was going to take me with him. I begged him not to go... before I knew it he was gone. I was more angry about it than anything. I didn't speak to anyone for weeks... hell I even destroyed his things. I didn't want to see anything to remind me of him. A bit childish, but it was the only thing that made me feel better at the time. And yet... I miss him." He looked up at Echo and smiled. "My father wasn't an idiot. We both know that he wouldn't blindly trust just anyone. I also know that as I grew older and spoke with the remaining crew that survived, I'm positive he was set up. Maybe it was karma, but I'd like to find out who sent him to his death."

 

Alister cocked his head to the side with a grin as he learned that his father had tried to teach the fox how to sail at one point. As the man came closer to him and explained that he couldn't swim he let out a soft chuckle. Reaching his hand up, he took hold of a lock of Echo's hair and examined the pure white color of it. "I think we'll manage with you aboard. Just stay away from the edge of the ship and you'll be fine." He dropped his hand back to his side and pushed off the wall and as he did he wrapped his arm around the man's shoulders. "With that said, are you about ready to go?"

[confidant_v]

Echo liked hearing Alister reminisce on his father. There was a dreamyness to it layered with pain and sadness. It didn’t sound too unlike Echo’s recount of Thomas, though their love for the man was different. Echo imagined a little child Alister, running around begging his father to allow him on his adventures. He imagined that same little Alister staring up the large ship, waiting for his turn to navigate those harsh, open waters. That poor, sweet child never got the chance to sail the seas with the only man he had ever looked up to.

 

He’d be able to sail the seas with this fox, though, and he didn’t seem at all concerned that Echo couldn’t swim. Alister was casual and easy-going. When he threw his arm over his shoulder, Echo was reminded so much of his precious Thomas. The action was exactly something Thomas would do. Perhaps Alister was more like his father than either of them thought. Alister had said that he had once wanted to be just like the main, but Echo wrinkled his nose at that as the two made their way out of the cavern. “Don’t ever be like that man, Alister,” Echo said. “He was impressive, but he’s not someone you want to model. You’re your own captain and your own person. And try not to break hearts like Thomas did either.” He let out a chuckle as they stepped out of the cavern. Echo scanned the few people who were outside waiting for their captain to return. He spotted the man he bit and snapped his teeth at him again just to amuse himself.

 

He didn’t know what to do with all of these eyes on him. When he met Thomas, the pirate had simply started talking to him as if they’d been friends for years. His crew had been wary, but eventually followed suit. Seeing himself in front of these people made him nervous. Most were not the same people he knew before. They stared at him as if he were a ghost, or rather something to be killed. Perhaps it wasn’t the wisest thing to bite that man. Echo didn’t have time to regret his decision when the man he bit yelled at him.

 

“Is that the damn fox that bit me?? Is that him?? He’s suddenly a human now??”

 

Murmurs and whispers started to spread through the crew. It made sense that they wouldn’t want some strange, supernatural creature on their ship, let alone one that attacked the men. Echo felt small compared to the large crowd and it took everything in him not to turn tail and run back into his little cave. Instead, he did what he was best known for. He echoed.

 

“Is that the damn fox that bit me?? Is that him?? He’s suddenly a human now??”

 

The man who was bitten looked shocked. His eyes grew wide at Echo’s words and he looked around at the crew, wondering if he was insane. “Is he making fun of me??”

 

“Is he making fun of me??”

 

It had been a while since Echo got a chance to repeat what someone said. It never frustrated Thomas, but Echo was pushing his luck with this man and the crew. There was a bit of a method to his madness. He didn’t want to make himself seem less intimidating or like he was making fun of them. Rather he wanted to seem like he was trying to play with them. Better to look like a pet than some monstrous fox, at least until Alister could convince his crew to trust him.